“You get these swings within a big series and when you get your chance you’ve got to jump on it”
● Hosts have their own concussion woes, with Roy due a check-up today after blow in nets
JOE ROOT
urges England to make the most of Australia talisman Steve Smith’s concussion-enforced absence from the third Ashes Test.
ENGLAND
V AUSTRALIA
Joe Root has called on England to take advantage of Steve Smith’s concussion-enforced absence from the Headingley Test, while crossing his fingers Jason Roy does not miss out for the same reason.
Australia’s hopes of improving their position in the series, 1-0 up after a big win at Edgbaston and last week’s Lord’s draw, took a hit with the news that their best player has not been cleared for action for day one today.
Root knows how it feels to be denied a star performer, having lost record wicket-taker James Anderson to a calf injury on the first morning of the first Test, and realises the opportunity Jofra Archer’s 92mph bouncer has created.
“They will be huge shoes to fill,” Root said.
“It’s very unfortunate on their part but we had the challenge of Jimmy going down four overs into a Test match and had to manage that without a replacement.
“You get these swings within a big series like this every now and again and when you get your opportunity you’ve got to jump on it. There was a lot of concern in our dressing room for his health but it’s great to see he’s up and about a role in our team and it’s up to everyone else, particularly our senior players, to just make sure we give that little bit more output and cover Steve as best we can.”
While there are protocols in place for concussion substitutes, the Smith issue has raised the question of whether there should be replacements for other injuries, such as broken bones.
Paine said: “I think that’s just bad luck. For the concussion one at times, if someone has had concussion, the temptation is if you’re nine down and and is fine.” England had an unexpected worry of their own when Roy was struck in the nets on Tuesday, ducking into a throw-down from Marcus Trescothick, who has been working with the team as a batting consultant.
Roy was struck on the shock-absorbing stem guard – an optional add-on to the helmet which Smith does not wear – and was cleared to continue his session.
The left-hander passed another concussion test and batted on the eve of the game but England team protocols require him to be assessed again on the morning of the match before being passed fit.
As such England have called there’s an over to go, you’ll send someone out. I think this way you safeguard against that. Obviously head injuries are a lot more serious than finger or arm injuries.”
Archer regularly surpassed speeds of 90mph at Lord’s, hitting 96.1mph at one point, with his express pace routinely troubling not only Smith among Australia’s ranks.
Paine, who refused to reveal his XI but said Australia were “looking at a bowling change”, added: “It’s about adapting to the situation, the wicket and what any of their bowlers are for his Surrey team-mate Ollie Pope, pictured, fresh from a knock of 221 not out against Hampshire, to join the squad on standby. “Jason’s been monitored quite closely, as you’d expect. But as it stands I fully expect him to be fit and ready to go,” Root said.
“Obviously there is a huge amount of attention around concussion at the minute. He has cleared all of the tests absolutely fine until now but there is a period where you have got to be extra cautious.”
Only a small percentage of concussions present 48 hours or more after impact but, given the recent spate of blows to the head, the potential for brain trying to do. We’ve got to have a plan to counter that and I know our boys will. Everyone is going to be different, we’re all different players.
“When someone’s bowling fast and the crowd’s up and about it’s exciting, your adrenaline starts pumping. It’s exciting, I think it’s great for Test match cricket. I think the interest it’s sparked in the last week or ten days has been great for the game and the people that have been watching it have thoroughly enjoyed it. We’re looking forward to the challenge again this week.” injuries has been thrust into the spotlight and forced hardbitten competitors to take the on-field battle in perspective.
“Of course this is a huge series and it means so much to all our players, but it doesn’t mean that much in terms of someone getting seriously hurt and potentially ruining the rest of their life,” Root said.
“It is really important we look after the players. We have team doctors and medics and we have to respect their decision, even if it doesn’t sit well with you as a player and as captain, the safety of the player has to come first.”
Root also offered a different perspective when asked for his own experiences of hostile bowling. “The thing that hurts the most is your ego,” Root said.
“You’re stood out there in front of 35,000 people and someone has mugged you off a bit. That’s how it feels when I’ve been hit. You pride yourself on being able to either get out of the way or take it on.”
There is sure to be an even greater emphasis on Archer’s performance over the next five days given his eye-catching debut, but Root has seen nothing to doubt his readiness.
“He’s dealing with it pretty well, I think. He sets up his Fortnite [video game] at the hotel and plays. He’s just a very relaxed character, unfazed by anything. He’s one of those guys who seems to be born for these occasions.”